Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Embraces #MeToo Era

In 2017, the world was introduced to the #MeToo movement. In 2018, readers will see the first Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue to be published since the flood of sexual misconduct accusations began pouring out of Hollywood (and subsequently other industries) last fall. And the American institution is fully embracing the current climate.

The issue’s staff, led by editor MJ Day and comprised of all women, took the magazine in a different direction last spring, even before the first shoe dropped when Harvey Weinstein was accused of sexual misconduct last October, Vanity Fair‘s Erin Vanderhoof wrote in an exclusive feature about the issue on Wednesday.

The SI staff wanted the issue’s models to act as participants in response to the #MeToo era, instead of objects. The issue will include models like Paulina Porizkova, Sailor Brinkley-Cook, and Robyn Lawley, all rocking inspiring attire (or words, when they are sans clothes).

“I’m thrilled that this movement is going on because I feel like it’s going to change things for the better,” Day told Vanity Fair.

The 2018 issue of Sports Illustrated, which hits news stands next week, represents a shift in Day’s thinking during her time at SI, according to Vanity Fair. Day said the photos can express all different standards of beauty.